When I saw Dixie DIY's new freebie last week – the Hot Cocoa Sweater – I instantly knew it was for me. I also just happened to have the perfect double knit (animal print of course!) in my stash, but the only downside is that Dixie's pattern is only available in one size / her size at the moment. Although I'm bigger in the chest than the lovely Dixie, I'm probably slightly narrower in the shoulders, so I decided to go for it and hope for the best. I'm so glad I did, I've definitely got myself a keeper!
I love the raglan sleeves and asymmetrical hemline and it's perfectly snug for this colder weather. The best things about this make are that it was a stash-buster and it was simple and quick enough to whip up whilst my sewing room is undergoing major surgery.
This pattern has clearly written instructions and is deliciously simple to make, with just four pieces. The cuffs and neckband are cleverly assembled and attached just like Sewaholic's Renfrew, so you get a really neat finish. The hem is just turned up once and stitched which reduces bulk - you don't have to worry because knits don't fray. The only change I made was to add 3 inches to the front and back length, as I wanted a bit more coverage for my 'junk'...hehe! I kept everything else the same.
I know I'm going to get lots of wear from this sweater. In fact, guess what I'm wearing to the Birmingham Rag Market meet-up tomorrow?!? Which is rather fitting really, because that's where I bought the awesome fabric from when I visited back in May.
Are you tempted by Dixie's pattern? Or maybe you've already made it. What did you think?
Haha, sewing sabbatical, my foot! I guess you just couldn't stay away ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour jumper looks great! Will definitely give that pattern a go.
Haha, seems like it eh!?! I don't think they'll be much sewing from now on though, because everything on my list is tricky and I do need to get my sewing space sorted first!!!
DeleteThis is a neat top! and major swoon over your shoes...
ReplyDeleteooooh, cute! the animal print makes it look very chic. i'm glad you like the pattern!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm honoured that you stopped by and commented Dixie! Thanks so much for sharing such an awesome pattern with us...for free!!!
DeleteCute AND cozy! Looks great. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue!!!
DeleteWhat a cute sweater, its exactly the type of thing I've been looking for.
ReplyDeleteAnd your shoes...... droooooool!!!!!! LOVE THEM!
I look forward to seeing your version then ;o)
DeleteSNAP! I've made the same top in the EXACT same fabric! :)
ReplyDeleteNo!!! Really!?! How brilliant! We obviously have totally awesome taste ;o) When do we get to see yours?
DeleteCute!!!!!!!!!!! And I'm glad you're also an animal print lover! xo
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I always seem to gravitate towards animal print...and florals!
DeleteWow! The shirt looks super sexy and comfy! Win, win! Looking forward to giving this pattern a go. Can't go wrong with free and awesome :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun tomorrow! I so wish I could go.
Thanks Mela, you should totally try it!!! So sorry you're not coming tomorrow...booo!
DeleteWhat a gorgeous top, the fabric is lovely, and I love your hair do! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Lynne!
DeleteI love this on you... Ohh cannot wait to see in person
ReplyDeleteYou certainly will Rachel!
DeleteLove it!! I think this baby might be bumping its way to the top of my sewing list... I love that grey leopard - looks adorable with your red t-bars!
ReplyDeleteElisalex, you will totally rock this top...do it, now!
DeleteWoot! I have been stalking your blog all day thinking "She must have finished by now!" LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteI want one.
Sulk.
Haha, you're too funny! Don't worry, as soon as you get the pattern home, you'll whip it up in no time at all!
DeleteYou look fabulous and I love the print! Have a great time tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI am 99.9999 per cent sure that's the fabric I used for my make of Renfrew. It's such a great, stable knit, isn't it? Love your top!
ReplyDeleteNo way!!! Where did you get yours from then? I remember thinking how much I loved your Renfrew fabric...could it be that I went out months later and subconsciously copied you? Probably! You'll be able to tell me if it is exactly the same tomorrow ;o)
DeleteHehe, only cause it was such an easy and quick make ;o)
ReplyDeleteThis looks awesome :) I don't know if I would be able to pull off the drapey look but it's uber cute on you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you could Johanna, give it a go...it's fee ;o)
DeleteGreat new top Marie, love how comfy raglan sleeves can be - maybe I'll be as lucky as you and find a suitable knit at the market at your meet up today :) Gonna download this pattern when I get home tonight thanks for sharing the link!
ReplyDeleteI never got to ask Claire...did you find suitable fabric for it today?
DeleteI like this. Neat fabric! You wear this well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda!
DeleteLovely top! I downloaded Dixie's pattern as well - it just looks so darn comfy!
ReplyDeleteI can totally see you in this Sallie, can't wait to see your version!
DeleteThis looks great! I just bought some sweater knit fabric I'm planning to do this with. I love that it looks so cozy and I bet people would never guess it's handmade. It looks very fashionable, especially with the asymmetrical hem.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shona, can't wait to see yours! I agree that it doesn't look handmade and it is quite edgy...love it!
DeleteSweet as! For a pretty non eventful piece like a pullover its absolutely adorable. I like your styling too.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous top. My kinda print too. It suits you so well :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yes Janene, I've seen you rock animal print more than once ;o)
DeleteVery cute! I just printed this pattern the other day but I didn't pay attention to it being only one size. We'll see how that works out for me. It looks so dang cozy!
ReplyDeleteThank you and good luck!!!
DeleteAdorable! This looks so cute on you! And I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE the leopard print-- I want one just like this! I just made this top, too, but mine didn't turn out very well (totally my fault, not Dixie's)... I'm afraid to show you guys!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sonja! If I had any confidence in my grading down skills, I'd gladly make one for you ;o) Don't be afraid to show us yours, I've shown my failed projects before and people's comments always cheer me up loads ;o)
DeleteVery cute on you Marie!
ReplyDeleteThank you Justine!
DeleteYou tempted me to try this pattern, it loks so cute on you!
ReplyDeleteOooh, yay...do it!
DeleteOff to check it out now! Thanks MArie! Looks fab on you! You just look so hot girl!
ReplyDeletePx
Gosh, thank you Portia! I think this will totally look hot on you too ;o)
DeleteJust gorgeous. But I expect no less from you! :P
ReplyDeleteWow thanks, that's so kind!
DeleteYou look fabulous! I have yet to make anything with animal print, but you always look great in them. Your red shoes and lips really complete the look.
ReplyDeleteThank you Becca! I bet you would rock animal print ;o)
DeleteMarie, are such eye candy! :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks Adrienne!
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